5 Tips to Consider When Updating Training

Knowing when to update your training course can play an important role in increasing learner performance. If you keep your system current with new technologies and accurate content, productivity and performance will increase. Keeping training up to date can also result in a decrease in the overall training time required for proficiency.

So what should you think about when updating your courses to make the changes as seamless as possible (and avoid disruption to the parts of your curriculum that aren’t changing)? Here are five tips to keep you on track:

1. Determine how much you’re willing or able to change.

Sometimes an update may be as simple as refreshing a few graphics and scripts. Other times, however, you are faced with a situation requiring a system revamp. The rise of HTML5 is a good example of this. Don’t be afraid to explore other options! Investing in a new format now could save time and money down the road.

2. Aim for compatibility with several browsers.

Not all browsers display content in the same way. A course viewed on Edge or Internet Explorer may look vastly different than one displayed in Firefox, Chrome or Safari. Having a course that is compatible with other browser types will improve accessibility to your users. This improves the user-experience on all devices, and fewer tech issues mean more time focused on the actual lessons.

3. Bring it to mobile.

Technology is advancing. Fast. Studies show that people now spend more time on mobile phones than a desktop, in part because employees are away from their desks 50-60% of the time. A mobile course means a lesson that is more available to your learner. If you set your course format to a grid, the content can snap to the size of various digital devices. Keep your learners in mind as you add other components to the lesson. Having audio that is playable on-demand gives your learner the chance to put in headphones, or relocate to a quieter area.

4. Work in segments.

Whether you’re overhauling your program or only updating a few modules, we recommend working in segments. This gives you the opportunity to test as you move along, and pinpoint any potential problems as they arise. You can also double check any visual aids that you may have included in your lesson. For example, if you change your program’s “back” button, you can find and change any instructional screenshots throughout the course.

5. Take note of specific content changes.

As the times change, your content or focus will likely change as well. For example, if your company uses machinery, it’s easy for training courses to become obsolete as soon as updated models and processes become available. New studies may impact academic courses or information and lab-based training programs, and even culture plays a role in how your users absorb and perceive your training. If you foresee a large content change on the horizon, take note of it. Refer to these notes as you move throughout your entire program, and assure that present-day practices and terms are reflected in every related module.

It is important to make sure you keep your training programs updated and relevant in the future. Take a moment to learn more about how you can convert your Flash courses to HTML5.